BELOW are excerpts of viewpoints from two selected research houses on what investors can expect in the day ahead:
Berjaya Research
The FBM KLCI reversed all its intraday gains to close lower, mainly weighed down by PCHEM (-4.6%) after crude oil prices retreated ahead of the second-round negotiations between the US and Iran on potential ceasefire deal.
Trading activity, however, rose to 3.33 billion shares from 2.85 billion shares in the previous session amid the positive market sentiment.
Market breadth remained positive with 615 advancers outpacing 491 decliners, indicating an extension of the recovery.
Looking ahead, the local benchmark index is expected to trade within a consolidation range of between 1,665 and 1,700 as it digests on-going geopolitical developments and fluctuating energy prices.
While domestic liquidity remains healthy, the market’s next directional move will likely be dictated by external catalysts.
Investors should closely monitor China’s 1Q 2026 GDP (gross domestic product) release later today where consensus expects growth of approximately 4.7% to 4.8%.
A stronger-than-expected reading in the world’s second-largest economy would provide a boost to regional sentiment and could serve as the catalyst needed for the FBM KLCI.
Technically, the FBM KLCI has formed a bearish candlestick to fluctuate within its extended downward bias consolidation trend.
Any potential extension of the ongoing recovery could be limited towards the immediate resistance at 1,695 points, followed by the 1,700 psychological level. Meanwhile, near-term supports remain located at the 1,673-1,665 levels.
The broader market is expected to remain constructive as i
Malacca Securities Research
Tracking Wall Street’s positive overnight performance, we expect a spill-over effect into the FBM KLCI, particularly within the technology sector.
Meanwhile, we believe investors could find value in property counters such as Lagenda Properties Bhd and LBS Bina Group Bhd.
The former is poised to benefit from the JS-SEZ (Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone) and the civil servant pay hike given that 70% of its customer base comprises government employees utilising state loan schemes while the latter has recently increased its minimum dividend payout ratio from 30% to 40%.
Finally, Golden Destinations Group Bhd (M+ target price: 51 sen) is set to make its ACE Market debut today (April; 16).
The FBM KLCI snapped its one-day gain with its technical indicators showing mixed signals at this current juncture as the MACD histogram has started to expand above the positive territory while the RSI is still trading below 50.
Resistance is seen around 1,698-1,703 with support at 1,663-1,668. – April 16, 2026
